Do I need SAE tools?

[f121]

So far this thread is a mix of YES, NO, & MAYBE.

Clear as mud, right?

Its pretty clear, it totally depends what you work on. If it's old junk, yes, garden equipment, yes, big stuff, yes, modern cars, probably not.

It would be interesting to hear from the OP, who started this thread back in 2015, if he bought SAE and if he used them.

Growing up in Europe in the 90s, there's no need for imperial sockets, metric (or 'standard' as we call them) are on everything from at least as far back as the 80s. It is kinda handy to have imperial sockets to hammer onto a damaged fastner or locking lug nut thou.

 

[Rickster]

SAE socket sets can be bought used for very reasonable prices.... and if it's not something that's going to get used very often then why buy high priced new?

 

[1/2 Cup]

someguy1_8t it is a nice to have and I have both as we have been metric for many years now.

 

[Elvisidal]

I still buy whitworth sockets ...

 

[Jazz1]

You will always require a basic set of SAE tools IMO
I still run into SAE when doing exhaust repairs although the rest of my '91 is metric. My '41 IHC is all SAE as was my plan when I built it until I got to ordering a Edelbrock carburetor and Carter fuel pump. Both items had metric nuts/bolts...My plan was not having to carry any metrics in that vehicle...not so!

 

[AA/FC]

You don't really get to decide which tools to buy.... the fastener that you're trying to loosen/tighten at any given moment decides which tool is required. Unless you can predict 100% which fasteners you will run across in the future, you should really have both metric and SAE. That's why they make big tool boxes... so you can store tools that don't get used every day but you still need to own "just in case".

 

[Jtels85]

I work for a large mail order pharmacy. The old line that was just torn down and shipped across the country to our sister location is mostly SAE, as is the line built in 2013 for a smaller department. The new line which was built last year was imported from Germany and is entirely metric.

I was repairing a motorcycle stand recently for a buddy of mine and the bolts were 1/2” and 9/16” (I believe) SAE. It wasn’t that old either.

I use my metric tools about 90% of the time, but for that other 10%, I’m glad to own a comprehensive set of SAE sockets and wrenches.

 

[AA/FC]

I use my metric tools about 90% of the time, but for that other 10%, I’m glad to own a comprehensive set of SAE sockets and wrenches.

Exactly!

For any real tool junkie on this website, owning a set of tools that don't get used very often should be the least of their concerns. In fact, most guys on this site would happily use this as an excuse to buy more tools...

 

[nbpt100]

Growing up in Europe in the 90s, there's no need for imperial sockets, metric (or 'standard' as we call them) are on everything from at least as far back as the 80s. It is kinda handy to have imperial sockets to hammer onto a damaged fastner or locking lug nut thou.

I was thinking Europeans would almost never encounter SAE today but I guess that is not entirely true.

Good suggestion on using them for damaged bolts heads. Especially a 12 point socket.

 

[nbpt100]

Remember the Metrinch sockets. They were suppose to work on both metric and SAE bolts?

I am sure a lot of homeowners who are not into tools bought these for the occasional time they needed to tighten or remove something.

 

[PhantomEB]

I got plenty of room in my tool drawers and I work on anything that comes my way so I rather have the correct tool.

 

[ScottBuckley]

I think having the correct tool is a good fit instead having SAE Tools, and at some point they will be useless, or at least some of them. Dot

 

[f121]

I was thinking Europeans would almost never encounter SAE today but I guess that is not entirely true.

Its rare, almost everything is metric. Mine currently only get used on old British stuff like landrovers, and my jonsered mower. Prior to buying my current landrover, I would probably go 5 years without touching a SAE socket!

 

[gtsgarage]

Carnac the Magnificent says - Yes!